diff --git a/FREE-TIER-CANDIDATES.md b/FREE-TIER-CANDIDATES.md
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@@ -3,6 +3,13 @@
 Researched by Timmy (Hermes/DeepSeek). Zeph is running his own pass; reconcile before
 admitting anyone.
 
+## Eligibility (non-negotiable — Alexander, 2026-10-06)
+
+Nobody gets paid. This is a **free-tier evaluation**: a service earns its place only if it
+can do **daily standups** and **expend its own free credits** to demonstrate value. If a
+free tier is depleted and continuing requires payment, the service is **ineligible** —
+drop it, don't fund it.
+
 ## The line that matters
 
 A member can only be a *daily worker* in this pipe if it can read the repo, reason, and